Bedford Midi Van Review

1992 Bedford Midi Van 2.0 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Faults:

I bought this from a scrapyard for spares, but it was in better condition than the vehicle I already had, it MOT'd no problem.

The glow-plug relay was knackered, it kept burning out glow plugs. I should have realised the problem by spotting the numerous empty cans of easystart in the passenger footwell.

After replacing the glowplugs it went OK for about 6 months, then I think due to using so much ether to start it the vehicle suffered from a blown piston. Starting it would see vast quantities of blue smoke from the exhaust as it tried to rev itself to oblivion feeding off the sump oil!

If it had been a Transit I probably would have fixed it, but these Midis are not very easy to work on due to the underfloor engine position, and that was the end of her, even though the body was solid.

General Comments:

As a work horse I can see the attraction, although the ride is bouncy and enthusiastic cornering will see the back axle skip across the road. Steering via the steering box is not very precise.

Mine was a 2.0 non-turbo diesel and felt distinctly underpowered, especially on hills. On the flat it would do about 80mph on a good day, but it did have good fuel consumption - close to 40 mpg.

I would have another one, but a turbo diesel next time and would ensure it was in better condition to start with. It would be unfair to blame its shortcomings on the marque in general, given that I bought this one well used from a scrapyard in the first place.